Shedding and Handling

[pinkie_muncher]

I've heard a lot of opinions on handling times around shedding, so now I am confused =[

Could someone please tell me when to stop handling during the shedding process. Whether to stop handling when her eyes go blue until after the shed of what??

Please help

 

[Metal_luke666]

Well i handle my corn even when hes in blue. They do get abit feistier and snap a little more. But hes usually ok with it.

 

[TWGarland]

Lots of people handling throughout the shedding cycle. Some snakes don't appreciate it, some don't care. i'd say if your corn doesn't mind, then go for it, if your corns not into it, then leave it alone :shrugs::spinner:

 

[pinkie_muncher]

Thanks =] I've heard its best not to handle it while its actually shedding, is that true?

 

[Hunter2011]

well usually it doesn't take too long for it to shed, my brothers almost 4 foot long corn shed in less than ten minutes

 

[JalapenoPeeps]

mine doesent care.
She just crawls wround like usual.

 

[Caryl]

Can they be injured by this?

I've heard/read a lot about not handling during shed cycles because of the snake's preference for being left alone. That's fine; they're entitled to their own opinions, particularly about their own physiology. I will continue to respect those opinions. My question is, for those who don't mind being handled when blue, is there any risk to the snake? I've tried finding that info, and haven't really come up with any solid science on it.

 

[Snake Dave]

I've heard/read a lot about not handling during shed cycles because of the snake's preference for being left alone. That's fine; they're entitled to their own opinions, particularly about their own physiology. I will continue to respect those opinions. My question is, for those who don't mind being handled when blue, is there any risk to the snake? I've tried finding that info, and haven't really come up with any solid science on it.

No, they can't be injured by handling whilst in blue. The reason why they choose to remain secluded, which is also the reason why some can be fiesty, is that their vision is obscured. When their eyes go cloudy, it renders them almost blind, so they're bound to be nervous if they can't see what's going on, which makes them more likely to strike.

So, if your snake doesn't mind being handled in blue, then there shouldn't be any problem in doing so. I tend not to, because they do like to be left alone during that period, but it won't cause any damage, either.

All the best

David

 

[Caryl]

Thanks, Dave!

 

[shenishen]

today i was holding one of my snakes and he actually started shedding while in my hands which was really cool...he was nudging his nose on my hands and pressing down on it which i thought was kinda wierd and he continued to do this until the skin on his face was peeled back. and then he just continued to rub himself in between my fingers to peel the skin back. i moistened him up with a spray bottle a little and he shed completely in my hands...it was pretty cool!!

 

[Caryl]

That's awesome, shenishen! Mine did something similar last month. I've got a big, twisted, branching stick that's kind of a snake jungle-gym. I was holding the stick and she used it to start her shed. She finished by wrapping around my wrist. It was so cool. "Wild America" in my lap!

(I knew that, once their eyes cleared and they neared actual shedding, handling couldn't hurt them. Someone had told me that the new skin could be harmed by handling when they first went blue. I'm glad to know that's not true.)